Education Technology

NAFIS strongly believes that students at federally impacted schools deserve access to the same high-quality educational technology tools as their peers in other school districts. In particular, we are focused on ensuring that students have access to high-speed internet, which can often be limited in more rural districts. As such, we regularly engage with policymakers regarding education technology policy and are active members of coalitions supporting access to technology for students, including the National Coalition for Technology in Education & Training (NCTET) and the Education and Libraries Networks Coalition (EdLiNC).

Protect the E-Rate Program: What You Need to Know

Updated September 2026

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has launched a sweeping top-to-bottom review of the E-Rate Program through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published in August 2026. For nearly 30 years, E-Rate has been foundational to public education, serving as the primary source of federal support for affordable school and library broadband, Wi-Fi, and network infrastructure. For federally impacted school districts—which often operate under unique funding constraints—reliable E-Rate support is especially vital to closing the digital divide and keeping students connected.

The current FCC proceeding asks fundamental questions about whether the program should be drastically scaled back, restricted to rural areas, or even dismantled. Because reliable connectivity is essential for modern learning, safety systems, and daily school operations, it is critical that the voices of public school districts are heard.

To help members understand the issue and take action, NAFIS—in partnership with AASA, the School Superintendents Association—is offering the following resources:

E-Rate NPRM Summary. A concise overview of the FCC’s E-Rate proceeding, outlining what the NPRM proposes, why the program is vital to schools, and what potential risks are on the table.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs). A straightforward Q&A document addressing common questions from school leaders about the scope of the review, the timeline for comments, and what these potential changes could mean for district technology budgets.

Call to Action & Advocacy Guide. A step-by-step guide for school districts detailing how to make their voices heard, including key messaging points and instructions on how to submit comments to the FCC to protect this essential funding stream.

To explore additional toolkits, webinars, and background information, visit the AASA E-Rate Resource Hub.

Past NAFIS Activity on Education Technology

NAFIS Joins Comments on E-Rate Cybersecurity Pilot (3/1/24)
NAFIS joined 15 other education organizations on comments to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) supporting a proposed pilot to help schools and libraries bolster cybersecurity. The pilot would run through the E-Rate program. The comments make clear that schools and libraries need additional financial support for and training on cybersecurity technology, noting that federal resources would be particularly helpful as state and local funding has been limited. The comments also stress the importance of the pilot in demonstrating the need for and costs of cybersecurity measures, and they offer suggestions to strengthen it.

NAFIS Supports Adding Wi-Fi Hotspots to E-Rate (1/19/24)
NAFIS joined 30 other education organizations, including AASA, NSBA, NEA and AFT, in a filing that endorsed the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) proposal to add Wi-Fi hotspots and home connectivity services to the existing E-Rate program.

NAFIS Signs Letter Endorsing FCC Nomination (6/30/23)
NAFIS joined 15 other K-12 education organizations by signing on to a letter urging the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation to nominate Anna Gomez as a commissioner on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). NAFIS supports the view of Ms. Gomez that while “Congress has given the FCC many important tools to close the digital divide, there is still much work to be done to ensure that every person in every county, regardless of geography or income, has access to high-speed broadband.”